Watch: Naomi Osaka shares her experience shooting for the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit

Naomi Osaka recently recalled her experience shooting for the cover of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit issue. The Japanese player was one of three models picked to grace the cover of the magazine in 2021. She also became the first black athlete to appear on the cover.

Osaka said it felt like a dream to shoot for the cover of Sports Illustrated in a video uploaded by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit on YouTube.

“I’m Naomi Osaka and we are currently in Malibu, California," the former World No. 1 said. “We are shooting the cover, well yeah, my first cover of the SI Swimsuit. It feels really amazing just growing up and watching so many incredible women grace discover. For me, feels like a dream. I remember Tyra Banks’ issue, I remember Beyoncé’s.”

Osaka also said that she felt a bit nervous being photographed in a bikini since it was something she had never done before.

“I do have a bit of nerves being photographed in a bikini just because I feel like it’s something that I’ve never done before so it’s a tiny bit out of my element," Osaka added. “Shooting with your style is really fun. It’s really incredible to just work with him because I growing up, I used to watch America’s Next Top Model. So of course, I was really nervous walking into it but I don’t know, he’s just really fun.

She also spoke about the importance of confidence and the different approaches to boost self esteem.

“You could see someone and think they’re the most confident person but deep down, I think that everyone’s a bit insecure of something. I know a lot of people say fake it until you make it and I think there’s a lot of people that are really good at that so yeah, just being confident and I feel like if you’re confident in something then eventually it’ll sort of catch on and you’ll just become a confident person."

Naomi Osaka is competing at the Madrid Open

Naomi Osaka has received a wildcard for the Madrid Open

Naomi Osaka is set to compete at the Madrid Open after receiving a wildcard. The Japanese player will look to have a good claycourt season following her run to the final at the Miami Open.

Her first-round opponent in the Madrid Open is Anastasia Potapova, who recently won the Istanbul Cup. A win for Osaka will pit her against either Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Sara Sorribes Tormo in the second round. She could face fourth seed Maria Sakkari in the third round.